Real or artificial? The contentious debate over which type of Christmas tree to prop up in the family room has been a long one, and it’s far from over.

Of those who put up Christmas trees, about three-fourths use artificial trees with the remaining quarter using real trees, according to Tree Classics, an artificial Christmas tree retailer.

Despite the popularity of artificial trees, real trees are hard to beat, said Libby Beard, who co-owns Flower Center Nursery with her husband Glen Beard.

Libby Beard said she sells both real and artificial trees, but most of her Christmas tree business comes from real tree sales.

“We used to sell more artificials, but our artificials are more expensive than Home Depot or Walmart,” she said. “People are realizing they can buy the less expensive trees and put a lot of ornaments or mesh to fill in the cheaper trees.”

The number one reason to buy a real tree is the aroma, Beard said.

“The smell is just awesome, and there’s something so nostalgic about a fresh tree,” she said.

Flower Center Nursery sells fraser fir trees that they get from North Carolina

“This year, the trees have been gorgeous,” she said. “They had a lot more rain in North Carolina so they’re a lot fuller. The frasers hold up really well, and the branches are strong.”

Beard said there’s no perfect tree and they all have their quirks.

“When you flock one, too, that just makes them beautiful,” she said. “Of course they’re a little more expensive, but they’re just beautiful.”

The real trees come with some drawbacks too, Beard said.

“They can be messy,” she said. “And of course wrapping the lights, but the lights are so cheap, I think a lot of people just throw the tree away with the lights on them.”

Beard said the trees can also be a problem for people who have allergies.

Beard said there are a lot of tricks to keep your real tree looking fresh.

“A lot of people will try 7-Up in the water or aspirin,” she said. “We have a Christmas tree preservative that we sell.”

The best thing is to put a fresh cut on the tree and to put it in water immediately, Beard said.

“Close any air vent that’s close to it and blowing directly on it,” she said. “Check it and keep water on it, because in bursts it will soak up a lot of water.”

The smallest trees at Flower Center Nursery are 5-6’ and they go for $49, and the largest are over 12’ and they go for $300.

The investment with buying a real tree comes with the tree stand, Beard said.

“The style we sell will last someone 20-25 years with the same stand,” she said.

Sue and William McDonald drove from Newellton, La., to pick up a tree from the nursery Friday, and they said they purchase a real tree every year.

“Actually I bought an artificial one six or seven years ago, and I used it twice,” Sue said. “My kids didn’t like it, so we came back to fresh.”

Both McDonalds said they grew up with the real trees in their homes, and it’s what they prefer.

“They smell fresh and they look better,” William said. “As much as anything it’s that evergreen smell around the house for Christmas.”

The real trees have proven more of a hassle, but for the McDonalds, it’s worth it.

“We can put them in the lake for a fish mat after we’re done with Christmas,” William added.

In addition to trees, Flower Center Nursery also sells ornaments and fresh cut garland and wreaths.

For more information, call 601-636-5810.